Married To The Wrong Twin

The blazing sun pressed down relentlessly on the outskirts of New York City as Ariana guided her SUV off the main road. Her friend Phoebe, accompanying her to see a doctor for a check-up, chatted away idly, but Ariana’s mind was elsewhere. She was weighed down with the thought of still being childless five years into her marriage. At family gatherings, she noticed how her husband, Denzel, pays particular attention to children. And though he hadn’t brought up the issue to her yet, she knew this topic wouldn’t be something that could be avoided for long, not when she had seen the longing in his eyes to have kids. She took it upon herself to see a doctor different from their family doctor. A decision she made, so if the results didn't come out positive, she would solve it alone without adding to her husband’s worries. They had just stepped out of the car and closed the doors when, in the twinkle of an eye, their bags were snatched from them. “Thief!” they shouted. “Someone—stop them!” Ariana screamed. ——— Three hours earlier: Phoenix sat at the corner of a food stall dressed in cheap clothing, with a face cap shading her sharp eyes from the scorching sun. She anxiously kept glancing at her watch as if waiting for someone. Soon enough, she saw the familiar black SUV roll into view. She picked up her phone immediately and dialed a number. “She’s here. Are you ready?” “Yes.” “Good. Get Sam and Collins in position.” She hung up, only for the phone to buzz again. “What now?” she asked. “There’s a problem. She’s not alone.” “s**t!”, she cursed under her breath. “We can’t cancel the plan. You’ll have to handle them both.” “Understood.” Phoenix got up and turned to the food stall owner, haggling over snacks with fake calmness. Moments later, two women’s screams rang out in the air. “Thief!” they yelled. “Someone! Stop them!” Phoenix smirked. It’s show time. ——— Present Phoenix— the young lady buying street food, saw what happened and immediately sprang into action. With startling speed, she gave the thieves a hot chase, only to return moments later, with their bags. She was breathless, but beaming triumphantly. “Here are your bags, ma’am.” “Thanks," Ariana said coolly, studying the lady briefly. For some reason, her mannerisms felt strangely familiar. “Thank you,” Phoebe added warmly and took the bag that was hers from Ariana. “I see you’re a pretty fast runner.” She gave a small laugh between breaths. “I get that a lot. It’s one of the few perks I picked up while working on my father’s farm chasing pigs and chickens through the mud.” Ariana’s nose wrinkled. “So you work on a farm?” “Yes. Back in the countryside.” “You’re even from the countryside?” she asked, a hint of disdain in her tone. Phoenix’s smile wavered. “Yes. Is that…a problem?” “Mmm, never mind.” She dug into her bag and took out some crispy dollar bills. “Here, for your troubles.” “Thanks, ma’am but…” “But what?” Ariana cut in, sensing her hesitance. “You think it’s too little? Don’t be greedy…okay?” “No, ma’am…that’s not it at all…” “Look, don’t try to make this complicated. Just take the money, it’s the only thanks you’re getting.” “Ariana!” Phoebe frowned. “She just helped us.” “And I’m thanking her," she retorted. “Why should she refuse?” Phoebe turned to the lady calmly. “Look, my friend means well. Why not take it? You…look like you could use it.” Phoenix’s gaze dropped to her worn shoes uncomfortably before she steadied herself. “I know it looks that way, but money would only last so long. What I truly need is a job I could use to support myself.” Ariana’s brow arched. “And what makes you think I can offer you a job?” She hesitated, then spoke carefully. “Well, you…you look like someone who could. From your clothes…to your car…your jewelry…even your perfume. You have the aura of someone important and influential. Unlike me,” she laughed nervously, “plain, and struggling.” Ariana smirked at the flattery. “You do know how to play your cards, don’t you? But if you’re asking for a job, what qualification could you possibly have? You don’t exactly scream ‘educated.’” She smiled politely. “Looks can be deceptive, ma’am. But let me first introduce myself. My name is Phoenix Barrett. I got my degree in IT a year ago.” “That’s quite some time. Why haven’t you gotten a job since then?” Ariana inquired. Phoenix’s voice broke. “Well… shortly after I graduated…I returned to the countryside to care for my ailing father. Sadly though, he passed away, and I remained there to settle his affairs. I only returned to the city about a month ago to look for a job.” “Oh…sorry for your loss," Phoebe said tenderly. Ariana rolled her eyes and sighed. Phoebe had always been a softie. “Thanks, ma’am," Phoenix responded. “Yeah…sorry about that,” Ariana added with a shrug. “I’d…also lost my father some years ago.” “Sorry about that ma’am. Looks like we already have one thing in common.” An awkward silence followed until Phoebe cleared her throat. “So… Phoenix, right?” “Yes.” “Since you have a degree, Ariana could help you secure a spot at her husband’s company. Her husband’s a billionaire," she beamed. Phoenix’s eyes widened. “Oh my! My instincts were right after all. I could tell you’re the kind of person who could help me.” “Yes, she can," Phoebe agreed. Ariana folded her arms. “Not a chance.” “I… I could change your mind," Phoenix said softly. Ariana scoffed. “And how, exactly?” Phoenix reached into her backpack and brought out a file. “Here…please have a look.” “What’s that?” Ariana asked. She fiddled nervously with the file in her hand, unsure if Ariana would bother taking a look at it. “It’s…it’s my résumé.” Ariana narrowed her gaze. “So you just happened to have it with you randomly?” Phoenix scratched the back of her neck, as if thinking of what to say. “Well…ma’am… I… I…have made three copies of it…to submit to other firms. This is the last one I’ve got.” Ariana raised an eyebrow but took the résumé from her. She flipped it open, with Phoebe peering over her shoulder and their eyes showed with mild surprise. “Well," Ariana said, “your credentials are… impressive…for someone like you.” Phoenix smiled sheepishly. “Thank you, ma’am.” “Ariana,” Phoebe urged, “I think you should give her a chance.” “Ugh," Ariana groaned, opened her bag, and took out her business card. She handed it over to Phoenix. “Here. Call me”. Phoenix took it with both hands, her face lighting up. “Thank you so much, ma’am. And thank you too,” she said to Phoebe. “You’re welcome,” Phoebe said warmly. “You seem hardworking. I hope it works out.” Ariana was already turning away. “Alright, Phoebe, come on. I don’t want to be late for my appointment.” “Thanks, ma’am!” Phoenix called behind them. While Phoebe waved back, Ariana remained indifferent. When they walked away, Phoenix's lips curled into a chilling smirk as she looked at the card in her hand. ‘You don’t know what’s coming your way.’ “That girl seems suspicious," Ariana muttered. “What do you mean?” Phoebe asked. “She just happened to be around when those rascals snatched our bags, chased them down, and had a résumé ready for me?” Ariana’s lip tightened. “It feels staged.” “Or,” Phoebe countered, “she’s exactly what she says she is. A hardworking country girl who needs a job. Besides, didn’t she say she already had two copies sent out and that was the last with her?” Ariana was still unconvinced. “But she stuttered when I questioned her. Like she was trying to quickly make up a story.” “Relax, babes. You’re overthinking a simple girl.” “But—” “No buts.” Phoebe cut her off. “Come on, let’s get this appointment over with and grab some drinks.” Ariana forced a smile, but her gut feeling gnawed at her. For some reason, the eyes of that country girl, which were icy blue, stirred a memory she had spent years trying to bury.